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Showing posts from October 13, 2025

The History of Diners in New Jersey

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New Jersey, often dubbed the "Diner Capital of the World," boasts a unique culinary and cultural legacy that revolves around these iconic eateries. With over 500 diners still operating across the state, more than in any other place in the United States, New Jersey's diners are more than just places to grab a bite—they are symbols of American optimism, community hubs, and testaments to immigrant ingenuity. These prefabricated, chrome-clad establishments, reminiscent of railroad cars, have dotted the Garden State's highways and suburban streets for over a century, serving everything from endless cups of coffee to hearty comfort foods like burgers, pancakes, and disco fries. But why New Jersey? The answer lies in a perfect storm of historical factors: superior road infrastructure, a dense working-class population, proximity to major cities like New York and Philadelphia, and a wave of entrepreneurial immigrants, particularly from Greece, who turned diners into family-run...

Mr. G’s Diner Set to Shine Again in Paterson

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The Garden State is about to welcome back a cherished piece of its diner legacy. The revival of Mr. G’s Diner in Paterson, a classic stainless-steel, prefabricated diner built in New Jersey, marks a triumphant return for entrepreneurs Vaughn and Marnie McKoy and an exciting venture for local businessman Yaakoub Hijazi. A Storied Past Crafted in 1940 by the Paramount Dining Car Company in nearby Haledon, Mr. G’s Diner began as Pickering’s Grill, sporting the iconic rounded glass brick corners of Paramount’s design. In 1954, it became Marty and Phil’s Diner under new ownership by the Gold brothers. Over the decades, it saw multiple transformations, operating as the 10th Avenue Diner, the Egg Plate (distinct from the Egg Platter Diner), and the Pancake and Smokehouse Grill. In 2008, civil rights activist Russell “G” Graddy (1931–2021) purchased the diner, renaming it Mr. G’s. A Paterson icon, Graddy, originally from Wrightsville, GA, played a key role in organizing Dr. Martin Luther King ...

Clixes Texas Weiners, Goffle Rd. Wyckoff, NJ 1949 - 1990

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 Clix's was a beloved, long-closed restaurant in Wyckoff, New Jersey, known for its Texas Weiners. It was an iconic hot dog stand that operated on Goffle Road for more than 50 years.  About the restaurant: Founder: Clarence "Clix" Pruiksma Sr., an Army cook during WWII, opened the restaurant in 1949. Signature dish: The restaurant's signature sauce for its Texas Weiners was a family secret. Closure: Clix's closed down when Clarence Sr. retired, and his family did not want to continue the New Jersey operation. Continuation in Florida: One of Pruiksma's grandsons, Christopher J. Arnoldi, now owns and operates a new Clix's brand in Tampa, Florida. Location: While the address was technically in Wyckoff, some people considered it to be in Hawthorne, due to its location on Goffle Road near the town line.  Clixes Texas Weiner Pint Glass